About In Vitro Fertilization
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure in which fertilization of an egg occurs outside a woman's body.
Eggs are extracted from a woman in the required quantity, and then they are mixed with sperm or a sperm cell is introduced directly into the egg for fertilization. These embryos then develop in incubator conditions for 2-5 days until they reach a size of 16-100 cells. After that, embryos with the highest probability of implantation are transferred to the uterus.
Negative possible consequences of IVF include: temporary physical discomfort; excessive ovarian response to hormonal stimulation, causing abdominal discomfort, bloating and fluid retention; risk of multiple pregnancy; ectopic pregnancy.
At the same time, specialists assess the probability of possible risks as low compared to normal pregnancy.
It's known that many diseases are caused by mutations in genes. Many genes are even erroneously called by the names of these diseases, as if the gene itself causes them, rather than mutations in it. Each of us inherited two copies of genes from our parents. If one of the genes is broken (which can lead to disease), the other can completely take over its functions, and thus there will be no disease at all.
Suppose I decided to have a child and know that I have a mutation in one of my genes that leads to disease. But the other gene is fine and helpfully took over the necessary functions. What happens if my partner doesn't have such a mutation? Then the child will be healthy. What if there is one in one of the gene copies? Then the probability that the child will have two copies of mutant genes will be 25%. If either of us has mutations in both copies, the probability of transmission will be 50%.
The IVF procedure can help choose from the resulting embryos the one that's fine.
Thus, if a couple doesn't disregard the health of their future child, it seems reasonable to me to do genetic testing before conception. And if it shows any probability of future disease, then resort to IVF, because the consequences of such a lottery for the child can be very sad.
And if you still want a child, there are sperm banks, there's also adoption, where you can immediately choose a nice child. But it's understandable that for many this is just horror-horror, because they need their own "little blood" even if sick.